A lesson for tonight.

Dear Blog-land Friends,

I read this tonight, and it moved me, so i wanted to share it with everyone. Oh, to have the brokenness and surrender that God desires of us. These words are penned by a dear woman of God, read with me:


"Roof Off, Walls Down.
True Christianity is indeed a lifestyle. It is a moment by moment lifestyle of agreeing with God about the true condition of my heart and life. Not as everyone thinks it to be, but as He knows it to be. It's transparent honesty. Humility before God and others. Nothing between my soul and God. It's a heart that is penetrated by His Word. Soft.

I'm reading chapter 3 today in "Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness" by Nancy Demoss. The chapter is entitled "Biblical Portraits: Broken and Unbroken."

I would encourage all who have not read this book to get a copy.

Chapter 3 starts off talking about King Saul and King David - two kings who ruled the nation of Israel.

King Saul was guilty of what most might say are lesser sins compared with that of King David, but why then did Saul have to pay so dearly for his sins - the loss of his kingdom, his family, and his life?

David was guilty (in comparison) of greater offenses. He committed adultery in a fit of passion and then had his neighbor killed - a man who was fighting for his own army on the front lines.

When the story of these two men's lives were over, why is David than called a man after God's heart? While Saul is given no such title?

What made the difference between King Saul and King David?

Here is what Demoss writes of the account:

"... When King Saul was confronted with his sin he defended, justified, and excused himself, blamed others, and tried to cover up both sin and its consequences. Although he finally admitted, "I have sinned," when caught redheaded by the prophet Samuel, the true condition of Saul's heart was revealed in his next words:

"Please don't tell the people!"

(Sam. 15:30)

King Saul was more concerned about preserving his reputation and his position, about looking good, than about being right with God. His response to God's prophet revealed a proud, unbroken heart.

On the other hand, when King David was faced with his sin, he was willing to acknowledge his failure, take personal responsibility for his wrongdoing, and to confess and repent of his sin. The roof came off as he repented towards God. The walls came down as he penned two songs of contrition (Ps. 32, Ps. 51) humbling himself before countless future believers who would read his confession and learn of his failure.

Broken men and women don't care who finds out about their sin; they have nothing to protect and nothing to lose.

David's response when confronted with his sin was that of a humble, broken man. And his was the heart that God honored. Again and again, God's Word reveals that He is not as concerned about the depth or extent of the sin we commit as He is about our attitude and response when we are confronted with our sin."
______________________________________________________________
taken from: Resolved2worship.xanga.com
these are not my words, they belong to a woman i hope to be like some day.
_______________________________________________________________